Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Avyabhicharini Bhakti Mean?
In Hindu and yoga philosophy, avyabhicharini bhakti is total devotion to God and only God. The term comes from the Sanskrit, a, a prefix meaning “not”; vyabhicharini, meaning “unchaste” or “one who is unfaithful”; and bhakti, meaning “devotion.” Its opposite is vyabhicharini bhakti, which is devotion split between God and other concerns, such as family or possessions.
Avyabhicharini bhakti is also known as ananya (“no other”) bhakti. It is also sometimes called “single-pointed devotion” because the yogi is not distracted by love for anyone or anything else. This form of bhakti leads to moksha (liberation).
Yogapedia Explains Avyabhicharini Bhakti
Depending on the tradition, bhakti is characterized in many ways, some of which overlap. For example, avyabhicharini bhakti may be considered a form of para (higher) bhakti or nishkamya (selfless) bhakti.
Other forms of bhakti include:
- Apara (lower) bhakti – devotion that makes use of rituals and ceremonies. Its opposite is para bhakti.
- Vaidhi bhakti – devotion tied to customs described in the scriptures. Its opposite is ragatmika bhakti, which is free expression of devotion.
- Sakamya bhakti – devotion for material gain, health or fulfillment of other desires. Its opposite is nishkamya bhakti.
During These Times of Stress and Uncertainty Your Doshas May Be Unbalanced.
To help you bring attention to your doshas and to identify what your predominant dosha is, we created the following quiz.
Try not to stress over every question, but simply answer based off your intuition. After all, you know yourself better than anyone else.